Linda Anne Wood

Linda Anne Wood, Dean of Broward College’s Institute of Public Safety, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5^th, surrounded by her family and close friends after her brave and determined battle against pancreatic cancer. 

For the past 27 years, Linda dedicated her life to serving the community as an administrator, educator, author, mentor, and advocate for both law enforcement and those experiencing homelessness. Born in Plainfield NJ, Linda earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the College of New Jersey, a master's degree in public administration from Temple   University and a certificate in non-profit management from Florida Atlantic University.

Linda moved to Broward County in 1995 to join the Broward Sheriff’s Office as Assistant Director for Community Corrections. In 1998 Linda joined the Institute of Public Safety (IPS) at Broward College, serving as the Associate Dean/Director of Professional and Executive Development/Career Training Administrator. Linda became the Dean of the Institute of Public Safety in 2007. 

Linda continually displayed her passion and determination to enhance the development of all law enforcement professionals in Broward County, ensuring that each law enforcement agency and correctional institution received the best trained law enforcement personnel. Along with the Police Academy, as Dean, she also oversaw the Criminal Justice Program and Professional & Executive Development which oversees the Regional Testing Center which is responsible for the testing and screening of police applicants.

Under her leadership, the police and correctional academies were able to successfully graduate more than 300 law enforcement and correctional cadets a year. Linda was not just the Dean; she was also a friend and mentor to many of the graduates providing strong words of encouragement and support throughout their careers.

Linda faced cancer like she did everything in her life - with determination and strength beyond comprehension. When she got knocked down, she got back up. Despite Linda’s metastatic cancer diagnosis, she continued to be of service to others, as a mentor, a colleague, a friend, living each day at a time with integrity and humility. Linda lived strong and her fierce determination is an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Linda was an exceptional high school varsity athlete (softball, basketball and field hockey) who enjoyed all types of physical activities throughout her life.  One of her greatest joys was her time spent with her devoted dog “Bo” as they competed in obedience and agility trials.

Linda is survived by her spouse, Kathryn Kominars; brother and sister-in law, Kenneth and BJ Wood; nieces, Amanda, Stephanie, Sarah; nephews, Henriques, Jared, Kevin, Derek; and great-nieces and nephew Adalynn, Amelia, Xavier, Elizabeth.

In memory, please consider making a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Network at www.pancan.org